2008 Chevy Impala 50th Anniversary Edition.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,474
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,189
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From: NY/NJ
GM is doing a very good job of updating the interior of their newer release vehicles (i.e. CTS and Malibu), but they must have missed the Malibu. That interior is so ho-hum and boring. Weren't the Impala a taxi favorite back in the big interior, RWD, age? Maybe this can be taxi time again...
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 529
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From: California
In the early-mid 1960's, the Impala SS was one of the hottest cars on the market, especially wth the 409 engine (though that engine was overbored with too-thin cylinder walls and had durability problems when run hard). It still acheived a nearly cult following.
But the smart person bought a Biscayne. A BISCAYNE?
NOBODY bought a Biscayne (that was the Plain-Jane, entry-level full-size Chevy)....except for fleet sales and rental firms.
But the smart person did. Yes, his friends all laughed, but the Biscayne was not only cheaper than the more-glamorous Impala but lighter as well, with less equipment and trim. Yet Chevy, in those days, allowed Biscayne buyers to order the same drivetrains as the Impala SS. So you got the SAME power in a lighter, cheaper package......which meant better performance and better handling, though, by today's standards, just about all domestic cars back then steered and handled like a battleship.
But the smart person bought a Biscayne. A BISCAYNE?
NOBODY bought a Biscayne (that was the Plain-Jane, entry-level full-size Chevy)....except for fleet sales and rental firms. But the smart person did. Yes, his friends all laughed, but the Biscayne was not only cheaper than the more-glamorous Impala but lighter as well, with less equipment and trim. Yet Chevy, in those days, allowed Biscayne buyers to order the same drivetrains as the Impala SS. So you got the SAME power in a lighter, cheaper package......which meant better performance and better handling, though, by today's standards, just about all domestic cars back then steered and handled like a battleship.
Here's some shots of the first 1958 Impala: I can still remember that car well as a young boy.
http://www.clays-cars.com/impala-58/...ior-hires1.jpg
http://www.stillruns.com/prescott/1958_impala.jpg
http://www.classicbowtie.com/Custome...bGoodsmall.jpg
http://www.clays-cars.com/impala-58/...ior-hires1.jpg
http://www.stillruns.com/prescott/1958_impala.jpg
http://www.classicbowtie.com/Custome...bGoodsmall.jpg
59's are my Fav tho
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,474
Likes: 252
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Didn't mean to make you feel bad. There are a lot of good memories of that era. In fact, both you and I got a chance, unlike so many people of today, to drive back then ( I got my license in '68) before roads got overcrowded, scenery disappeared with development, speed bumps/red lights/stop signs sprouted up everywhere, and driving became so tough. Even though we had cars that steered and handled like battleships, the driving environment itself was SO much better back then than now. And, don't forget, the cars back then had better ride comfort than today, too..........today's shorter wheelbases, low-profile tires, firmer seats, stiff suspensions, and quick steering response have taken much of the comfort out of driving. And cars back then had METAL hardware instead of the plastic junk they use today.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,762
Likes: 1
From: South FLA
I'd take the Malibu over this car too. They're definitely going in the right direction with their interiors though.
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